Riccardo and his family explored the famous Gardaland theme park together with close friends—and they’re sharing not only what the park was like, but also practical tips on accommodation, planning, favorite rides, and child-friendly experiences.
If you’re planning a trip to Gardaland with young kids—or you’re just curious about what to expect—this interview is definitely worth reading. It’s full of real insights, personal impressions, and plenty of useful advice for families!
Where did you stay and how much time did you spend at Gardaland?
We stayed right next to Gardaland, at the park’s own themed hotel (Gardaland Adventure Hotel). We arrived on a Sunday afternoon in late June and spent two nights there. Monday was dedicated entirely to exploring Gardaland Park, and on Tuesday we visited the Sea Life Aquarium, which is part of the park but has a separate entrance.
It’s important to know that Sea Life is not located inside the main Gardaland area—it’s right next door, with its own entrance and parking lot. If you visited Gardaland the day before, you can get a 50% discount on Sea Life tickets—but make sure to keep your Gardaland ticket to show at the entrance!
Tickets for Gardaland can be purchased online via Tiqets, GetYourGuide, or Musement.
Why did you choose Gardaland as your destination?
The park was the main reason for the trip—it was a special occasion. A close friend of ours received the Gardaland experience as a birthday gift from their family, and they invited us to join. We were thrilled to say yes! Their child is the same age as our daughter, so we all embarked on this adventure together.
How old was your child at the time, and was this your first visit?
Our daughter was six and a half, and this was her first time at Gardaland. I had been before, but it was a brand-new experience for the rest of our family.
Was Gardaland suitable for a 6-year-old?
Absolutely! There are tons of rides and experiences designed even for the youngest visitors. It’s clear that the park considers all age groups—there was plenty for a 6-year-old to discover and enjoy.
Which rides or attractions did your child enjoy the most?
The water rides were the biggest hit! Canoeing (Canoa) and the jungle-themed area were favorites—she threw herself into the adventure like a little explorer.
Were there any areas she couldn’t access? How did you handle that?
Yes, there were a few attractions—like the big roller coasters—that had height or age restrictions. But she wasn’t too interested in those anyway; they seemed a bit scary to her. So instead, we focused on the rides she found exciting and fun. She didn’t feel like she was missing out.
Did you visit Peppa Pig World or Fantasy Kingdom?
We didn’t make it to Peppa Pig World, but we did explore Fantasy Kingdom. We stopped by Prezzemolo’s House, where the park mascot appears. At first, it seemed fun, but it was a bit intense for her—everything was moving and spinning, which was quite a sensory overload. Still, it was all part of the colorful day.
How many days did you spend in the park itself? Was that enough?
We spent one full day at Gardaland, from opening to closing. That was more than enough with a young child—we had a full, rich day packed with fun. By the end, we were all pleasantly exhausted and returned to the hotel full of great memories.
Did you use the Gardaland app or do any advance planning?
We didn’t use the app and didn’t do much advance planning either. We just kept an eye on queue times and went for rides with a wait of under 20 minutes. That way, we could enjoy the day without rushing, and still fit in a lot.
Useful tip: While the park officially opens at 10 AM, the rides in the back—especially the water attractions—don’t usually open until around 11. We arrived right at 10, started with a couple of rides near the entrance, and then headed to the back just as it opened. This way, we were going against the flow of the crowd and saved a lot of waiting time. Not many people realize this, but it’s a great strategy!
What were the crowds like at the end of June? Did you have to wait long?
We went on a Monday (not the weekend), which made a big difference. While the park was busy, queues were manageable, and the lines moved quickly. We could move smoothly from one attraction to another.
Did you book your tickets in advance? Would you recommend that to other families?
Yes, we bought our tickets in advance and highly recommend it to others. It saved us from waiting in line at the entrance and made getting in much faster—especially helpful when traveling with kids.
What was the weather like during your visit?
It was very hot—classic summer heat, around 33°C (91°F) with strong sun. We definitely felt tired by the end of the day, but we were well prepared. We brought hats, caps, sunscreen, sunglasses, and scarves.
Were there shaded areas or places to rest if the kids got tired?
Yes, most of the park has a good mix of trees and covered spaces. We avoided attractions where the queue was in full sun and always made sure our daughter wasn’t exposed for too long. There were plenty of shaded benches and resting spots—really helpful for families.
Was drinking water, restrooms, and food easily available in the park?
Definitely. The park is well equipped with drinking fountains, toilets, and snack stands—all clearly marked and easy to find. This was a big plus with a young child—it was never a hassle to find what we needed.
Did you bring a stroller? Did you need one?
We didn’t bring a stroller—our daughter and our friends’ child were both old enough not to need one. But the park is definitely stroller-friendly, with wide paths, shade, and easy access throughout. Sea Life even has a covered stroller parking area at the entrance, which was really convenient.
Was it easy to find toilets, baby changing areas, or quiet spots to rest?
Yes, absolutely. There are toilets throughout the park, and several baby changing facilities. They’re clearly marked, clean, and easy to reach. There were also plenty of benches and shaded spots for short breaks when needed.
What did you bring into the park (e.g. drinks, snacks)? Was there any security check at the entrance?
We definitely brought water, which was essential in the heat. We didn’t bring snacks, so we can’t speak from experience, but we didn’t notice any strict checks at the entrance. Everything felt quite relaxed and flexible.
Were there kid-friendly food options?
Yes, there were plenty of choices—almost every corner had a food stand or restaurant, many with options for kids. You’ll find the usual favorites: pizza, pasta, hot dogs, burgers, wraps, fries, ice cream. The presentation was fun, and some restaurants had themed setups to make the experience even more engaging for kids.
Were allergy- or intolerance-friendly options available?
Luckily, we didn’t need to worry about this, so we didn’t pay much attention. But it looked like the larger restaurants had allergen info available, and it seemed like staff would help with special requests if needed. If dietary restrictions are important, it’s a good idea to ask in advance or check with staff when ordering.
What kind of prices should families expect for meals?
It wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t outrageous either—typical amusement park pricing. For a family of four, lunch was a noticeable cost, but since it was just one day, we felt it was worth it. Portion sizes and food quality were both good, so we were satisfied.
Where did you stay? Was it close to Gardaland?
We stayed at the Gardaland Adventure Hotel, right next to the park. You honestly couldn’t get any closer—it was super convenient, especially with kids.
There’s a free shuttle bus that runs between the hotel and the park, which was a big help, especially at the end of the day when everyone was tired. It runs continuously from 9:30 AM to noon, then every half hour from noon to 3:00 PM, and frequently again from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Everything worked very smoothly, and the hotel itself was very comfortable.
Was the hotel family-friendly? Did you get a crib or child-friendly features?
Yes, it was completely family-friendly. We had a family room for four, and our daughter had her own bed, so we didn’t need a crib. The room was fun and imaginative, with themed decor. The hotel has different themed rooms—we stayed in the “Antarctic Room,” which was really creative and added to the adventure.
What was your overall experience at the hotel?
Very positive! The hotel’s atmosphere matched the park’s vibe perfectly—it felt like the adventure continued even after the park closed. Everything was designed with families and kids in mind: themed decorations, friendly and helpful staff, kids’ pools, and evening entertainment with animators. It was clean, comfortable, and well organized—and the hotel itself added to what made this trip so memorable.
What was the biggest surprise or challenge at the park?
The biggest surprise was just how amazing the rides were—even for adults! The entire park is full of excitement, creativity, and visual appeal. The biggest challenge was the waiting in lines, especially with kids—though we managed it well, it’s good to come prepared with a bit of patience (and some snacks in your backpack).
What would you bring next time that you didn’t this time?
We were pretty well prepared, but in hindsight, there are a few things we’d definitely bring next time: swimsuits and flip-flops—even if you think you won’t need them. A small towel also comes in handy, especially after the water rides. One really useful item was a waterproof backpack—it kept our phones and valuables safe during the wet attractions.
What advice would you give to other families visiting Gardaland with young kids?
Definitely bring sun hats and make sure you’ve got good sun protection—kids tire quickly in the heat, especially in open areas. Start your day at the back of the park once it opens (usually around 11 AM), where the lines are shorter, while everyone else is still queuing at the front. That helped us avoid the biggest crowds and made the day flow more smoothly.
Don’t skip the water rides—especially the LEGO® Water Park, which is a total splash paradise for kids. We went there after 3 PM, and it was the perfect cool-down in the summer heat. Swimsuits are a must!
Going with friends was a fantastic choice—waiting in line was so much more enjoyable with good conversation, and the time passed quickly.
In one word or a short sentence, how would you describe your Gardaland experience?
Fantastic, but exhausting! The kids loved it, and we tried our best to keep up with them.
Sea Life was a great bonus too—especially the seal show at noon. It’s worth checking the showtime and arriving early, as seating is limited and fills up fast.
All in all, it was a wonderful, memory-filled day of fun and happy tiredness—an experience our whole family will remember!
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